On December 20, 1977, three people were entrapped and killed on the Honda Canyon fire on Vandenberg Air Force Base in southern California, including the Base Commander Colonel Joseph Turner, Fire Chief Billy Bell and Assistant Fire Chief Eugene Cooper. Additionally, severe burns were experienced by Heavy Equipment Operator Clarence McCauley. He later died due to complications from the burns. A book about this fire, “Beyond Tranquillon Ridge”, was written by Joseph N. Valencia.
Minor correction …
Vandenberg A.F.B. is NOT in southern,California, but rather is in central California and there IS a difference.
So, Rick, in your mind the state is broken up into three sections? Why not divide it up into 4, 5, or 2 sections when discussing it? lol
Vandenburg,regardless,Sundowners or Santa Anna’s it is a “location” that Mother Nature lets you know who is boss. How about just calling it part of the third rock from the sun?
Vandenberg’s a bit north of L.A., which to most people means the “southern” part of the state. You could probably call it “western” California and be technically correct. Most firefighters, Rick, mentally divide the state in half, not in thirds, because that’s what fire management does with the two GACCs in the state.